For the second consecutive week, the Nittany Lions (6-5) allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown while a missed field goal in overtime and failed extra point in the first quarter ultimately headlined a list of botched opportunities. The Cornhuskers (8-3) also blocked a punt in the first half but were unable to capitalize.

Defensively, Penn State performed well throughout, forcing two turnovers while making key stops to keep the contest well within reach. Still, several drops by receivers in critical situations routinely caused the offense to stall, as evident by the Nittany Lions converting only 2-of-14 third down chances (1.4 percent).

"We are giving Nebraska a lot of credit," PSU head coach Bill O'Brien said. "They came out on top and we didn't do a good enough job to win the game. Our defense played a good game, but you win as a team and you lose as a team."

After a strong defensive stand by the Nittany Lions forced the Huskers to settle for a field goal to tie at 20 late in the fourth, PSU started with the ball in overtime, as two runs and an incomplete pass set up a 37-yard field goal attempt for Sam Ficken.

The junior's kick sailed wide right, giving possession to Nebraska, now needing only a field goal to win.

Three plays and an illegal procedure penalty later, which negated Pat Smith's initial make from 37 yards, the Husker kicker drilled the game-winner from 42, bringing Penn State's Senior Day celebration to a difficult end.

"This senior class stuck with this program and University during a very tough time," O'Brien said regarding the 17 senior players who remained committed despite the unprecedented sanctions handed down by the NCAA prior to last season. "Everybody needs to remember that. They could have left; they chose to stay. This class will go down as just as special of a class as last year's seniors."

Junior standout Allen Robinson continued to ascend toward the top of PSU's career receiving charts, finishing the game with eight catches for 106 yards, passing Bobby Engram (167) to move into second on the all-time receptions list with 169.

Quarterback Christian Hackenberg accounted for each of Penn State's three touchdowns, passing for two while rushing for another, completing 16-of-33 attempts for 217 yards with one interception.

Zach Zwinak continued to shine in the running game, rushing for 149 yards on 35 carries, serving as the Nittany Lions' feature back with fellow ball carrier Bill Belton sidelined.

Defensive slugfest

A defensive slugfest unfolded throughout the opening 30 minutes, as the teams combined for 11 punts in the first and second quarters.

Penn State's lone score of the first half came with 33 seconds remaining in the first quarter, as Hackenberg connected with Adam Breneman for a 2-yard touchdown prior to Ficken hitting the right upright, and consequently, missing the extra point for a 6-0 PSU lead.

Electing to make a change at quarterback, senior Ron Kellogg III sparked a sluggish Nebraska offense, completing all four passes on his first drive, capped by a 27-yard slant to Quincy Enunwa which put the Huskers ahead 7-6 with 13:14 left to play in the second quarter.

With both defenses dictating the tempo, the slim margin stood until the third, when C.J.Olaniyan stripped Kellogg of the ball and recovered it at the Nebraska 8, presenting Hackenberg and the offense with a prime opportunity.

The freshman signal caller took advantage two plays later, keeping a bootleg around the right side before coasting into the end zone untouched to give Penn State its first lead of the game at 13-7.

The momentum was short-lived, however, as the special teams woes arose yet again, with Nebraska's Kenny Bell blowing through the coverage on the ensuing kickoff en route to a 99-yard return for a touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 14-13.

After the sides exchanged punts, Hackenberg was intercepted by Ciante Evans with 4:25 remaining in the third, leading to a Smith field goal from 39 yards out, pushing the Huskers' advantage to 17-13.

Having moved into Nebraska territory to close out the third, Hackenberg found Jesse James open in the left flat on the first play of the fourth, with the sophomore tight end avoiding a tackle while staying inbounds down the sideline on his way to a 46-yard touchdown, giving Penn State a 20-17 lead.

Three possessions later, the Huskers strung together a promising drive that resulted in first-and-goal from the Nittany Lions' 1-yard-line, seemingly in position to retake the lead.

Backed up deep in its own end, the Penn State defense stood tall, as linebacker Mike Hull delivered a punishing blow to Kellogg just short of the goal line on third down, forcing Nebraska to settle for a field goal and tie the game at 20 with 4:29 remaining in regulation.

Both sides took over possession in the closing stages, but neither was able to produce points, thus sending the game into overtime where the Huskers ultimately emerged victorious.

Kellogg finished the game 20-of-34 for 191 yards while running back Ameer Abdullah, who leads the Big Ten in rushing, carried 25 times for 147 yards to pace the Nebraska offense.

Penn State closes its 2013 season with a trip to Wisconsin on Saturday. The Huskers wrap-up the regular season at home against Iowa before earning one of the Big Ten's seven projected bowl bids.

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